Originally tohunga-ta-moko (moko specialists) used a range of uhi (chisels) made from albatross bone which were hafted onto a handle and struck with a mallet. The pigments were made from the awheto for the body colour and ngarehu (burnt timbers) for the backer face color.
In the late 19th century, needles came to replace the uhi as the main tools. This was a quicker method, less prone to possible health risks, but the feel of the moko changed to smooth. Women continued receiving moko through 20th century, but moko on men stopped around 1860s in line with changing fashion and acceptance by Pakeha (white New Zealanders). Women were traditionally only allowed to be tattoed on their lips, around the chin, and sometimes the nostrils.
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